Every year around Australia thousands of healthy young greyhounds are killed as 'waste products' of the profit driven greyhound racing industry. Their only crime: that they were not fast enough to make money on the track.

Worse still is that some of these unwanted dogs are sent to countries where they are forced to race in even worse conditions. Ultimately, even these dogs cannot escape the inevitable reality of this cruel industry: that they will be killed when they can't turn a profit.

Animals Australia is campaigning to expose and end this cruel industry. Through our work we educate the public and encourage people not to bet on cruelty. With strategic campaigns, political lobbying, and through collaborations with other animal welfare groups nationally and internationally, we are working to end greyhound racing and ensure dogs are protected.

Help end greyhound cruelty:

Click here to call on your Federal MP to support a ban on the export of greyhounds.

Encourage for your friends and family to never to bet on cruelty.

Support Animals Australia's work to protect greyhounds and all animals, by making a monthly pledge to end animal cruelty.

Animals Australia focuses its campaign efforts on the areas of greatest need -- this is why factory farming and live export are among our highest priorities, with more than half a billion animals suffering in these cruel industries every year.

Our team of campaigners work hard to keep on top of all the issues affecting animals in Australia but, as a small charity with limited time and resources, we simply cannot act on everything. For this reason we rely on the growing community of animal advocates to speak out for animals and take a stand against cruelty.

Use the Animals Australia website search function to check if we have already taken action on the issue that concerns you. Take a look at our list of Member Societies to see if any of them are doing something about it. Write a letter to the editor of your local newspaper, or contact your Federal MP to see where they stand. If your query relates to farm animals then contact the relevant state Minister for Agriculture.

Most importantly, talk to your friends, family and colleagues about it -- you can raise a tremendous amount of awareness just by utilising your own networks.

The voice of animals is becoming louder and louder as the community grows more aware of their plight and need for protection. Thank you for taking the time to speak on their behalf. Together we can turn this voice into a roar!

Animals Australia has been in operation for over 30 years.
During that time we have helped shape animal welfare standards in many
different areas, improving the lives of millions of animals. Some recent
examples include:

1) Animals Australia’s investigations into the live export
trade have led to the government putting in place a system of regulation
(ESCAS) which for the first time requires animals to be fully traceable
throughout the entire supply chain and to be handled and slaughtered in
accordance with OIE guidelines.While
not a complete solution, ESCAS has at least introduced some basic welfare
requirements and enables the government to hold live exporters to account for
breaches of these rules. Animals Australia's subsequent investigations have
been responsible for bringing such breaches to the attention of government.

2) Since 2004, Animals Australia has been conducting an
ongoing national public awareness campaign (through print, radio, TV, outdoor
and online media) on behalf of animals in factory farms. Rising consumer
awareness during this time has led the pig industry to voluntarily restrict the
use of sow stalls, and has underpinned moves by retailers to shift away from
cage eggs as well as pork/bacon/ham that has been produced in facilities that
confine mother pigs in sow stalls. These changes alone will help free millions
of animals from cruel confinement. Our public awareness work continues. See
www.MakeitPossible.com

3) Through our involvement with the development of Codes of
Practice, Animals Australia has been instrumental in pushing for national
guidelines to improve the treatment of animals in rodeos, circuses, fishing,
feral animal control, and many other areas. Our work has helped to upgrade
animal protection legislation in every state since the 1980s.

For a more detailed list of recent achievements please see our
track record in animal protection by clicking here.

Animals Australia is an advocacy organisation. We don’t run animal shelters though some of our Member Societies operate companion animal and farm animal rescue groups. We are a peak body representing some 40 other animal welfare groups in Australia, each working in a specific area. Between us all there is very strong representation on companion animal issues from puppy farming to desexing and pet overpopulation.

Animals Australia is, however, working to help end pet overpopulation in a number of ways. You can find out information about our campaign to end puppy farming by clicking here.

Since June 2006 Animals Australia has co-sponsored the biennial National Summit to End Pet Overpopulation and supported a program called 'Getting to Zero' which works to provide an effective model to address pet overpopulation.

While we are not a shelter or foster care organisation, a number of our Member Societies are. Many of the Animals Australia staff also foster animals and we recently published an article about some of these animals' stories here in an effort to encourage people to consider fostering animals in need. To find out how you can become a foster carer, read Foster carers: saving lives one snuggle at a time.

As an Australian organisation, most of the work we do
is focused on animals in Australia. However, through our investigations into
the treatment of animals exported overseas, Animals Australia has helped raise
awareness about animal welfare and improve conditions for animals abroad as
well. For example, after our investigators exposed horrendous treatment of
animals in Jordan, Animals Australia's work in collaboration with the Princess
Alia Foundation has now been responsible for the uptake of pre-slaughter
stunning in Jordanian abattoirs – for both cattle and sheep. This achievement
is a milestone in the Middle East and sets a precedent for other countries in
the region to follow.

Before our investigation in Indonesia in 2011, the live export
industry said pre-slaughter stunning was an ‘aspirational’ goal only – yet the
public pressure that ensued after the exposure of cruelty in that country has
resulted in stunning rates rising rapidly. It is only Animals Australia’s exposure of the cruelty that
Australia’s live export industry has been prepared to supply animals to that
has given importing countries reason to question their treatment of animals,
including their own. Our continued supply of Australian sheep and cattle
regardless of how they were being treated has only served to reinforce local
beliefs that their treatment of animals was acceptable. The only reason car
boots and roof racks were deemed an unacceptable way to transport sheep in
Bahrain was because Animals Australia exposed it.

Our work on factory farming has been embraced world-wide and
provided resources to international animal welfare organisations to tackle
these same issues in their own country. Our Make it Possible campaign video for example has so far
been translated into Italian, Spanish, Arabic, Hebrew and Portuguese, and our
television advertisement is playing in New Zealand. Animals Australia cares
very much about ALL animals but it is leading by example in a developed nation
that expects a high standard of welfare that will inspire the greatest change
for animals globally.

Animals Australia is an independent
not-for-profit organisation. We are also a peak body representing around 40
Australian 'Member Society' groups for whom we provide
campaign advice or representation on animal welfare committees and government
advisory groups, such as the Australian Animal Welfare Advisory Committee. Our
(volunteer) Executive committee is comprised of delegates from Member
Societies. Along with the Executive Director, Executive members oversee
our organisational management and it's reporting requirements under the
Victorian Associations Incorporation Act 1981. You can find further information
about our organisational structure by
clicking here.

Animals
Australia is an independent not-for-profit organisation and not aligned
financially or structurally with any other international organisations.

However,
animal cruelty is a global issue. Much of our work traverses borders and
Animals Australia is internationally renowned for our investigations and public
awareness campaigns. In recognition of our potential to create a world of
difference for all animals, in 2014 we established a global arm - Animals International.

Click here to find out how we are working with colleague groups overseas to
protect animals from cruelty.

Animals Australia
is an animal protection organisation. We exist to represent animals and
therefore the issues we cover
all relate to animals. Animals Australia is not a 'vegan organisation'. We
don't believe it's appropriate to tell anyone what to do or think (or eat, or
wear). But we do believe we can provide the information that people need in
order to make truly informed choices that are in line with their own values.

Animal Care

Congratulations on choosing to adopt a companion animal! Around 250,000 healthy cats and dogs are euthanized in Australian shelters each year. By making the pledge "to adopt, not buy" you can give someone a second chance at life.

If you find an injured wild animal, please call your local wildlife rescue organisation or vet. Some organisations will only operate phones during certain hours so, if the animal needs immediate help please take them to a vet or try contacting another group. Most vets will help wildlife at no cost. You can find a comprehensive list of wildlife care groups on the Foundation for National Parks and Wildlife website.

If the animal is a lost companion animal, you have several options:

Check for any identifying tags or information on their collar to contact the animal's owners.

Call your local vet or animal shelter and ask if they can assist. Many animals will have a microchip under their skin and a vet or shelter will be able to scan the microchip to locate the owners.

If the lost animal is injured or unwell, please take them to a vet immediately.

For situations not covered above, please call our office for advice. Please note our office hours are Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm EST. If it is an emergency situation, please contact your local vet.

As Animals Australia does not have the power to investigate or prosecute under the various State animal welfare Acts, you need to report it to those agencies that do. These agencies vary from State to State.

If you are unable to make contact with the RSPCA promptly, an urgent matter should be reported to your local Police station.

There are some incidents of cruelty that may (also) be handled by other agencies:

Companion animals:
Some issues relevant to companion animal businesses (e.g. pet shops, boarding kennels) may be handled by local council officers, and in most states those officers can investigate under the cruelty laws; access your local council website and search for the ranger contact details. Complaints about stray animals and noise levels should also be directed to your local council.

Farm animals: In most states the government's agriculture or primary industries
department will also be authorised to deal with cruelty complaints. Find
out how to report cruelty to farm animals by clicking the relevant
state link below:

Helpdesk

Images owned by Animals Australia may only be used with prior express permission, in writing, from Animals Australia. Any application for the use of images should indicate the proposed purpose and manner of use. An 'in principle' approval may be given on receipt of a proposal, but final approval will not be considered or granted until final artwork has been assessed.

Please contact our office to receive a copy of our policy on reproducing images from our website. Emailing us with the above details and linking to the exact image you wish to reproduce will assist us in answering you quickly. Please send requests to

Fundraising/volunteering

Thank you for wanting to help make our voice for animals the strongest it can be!
There are many ways you can help us speak up for animals.

Pledge a gift
Animals Australia's ground breaking investigations and high impact campaigns are underpinned by the donations from caring supporters like you. By pledging a monthly gift to Animals Australia, you will be helping to ensure we can continue to expose animal cruelty and work towards a kinder world for all animals. Click here to become a 'frontliner for the animals' today.

VolunteerAnimals Australia's Action Network is your way to extend the impact of our campaigns, online and offline. Join an active team of like-minded people, working to create real change for animals. From letter writing, to public outreach, to strategic campaign initiatives, there is something that everyone can do to make a difference. If you want to stay in the loop on upcoming opportunities to help out, sign up to the Action Network today.

Order an Action PackClick here to order a Ban Live Export action pack.Click here to order an action pack to help end factory farming.

Spread the word
Too often, cruel practices inflicted on animals are allowed to continue simply because people aren't aware of what's happening. But with your help we can change that! Spread the word about Animals Australia's campaigns to shine a light on animal cruelty and inspire others to make a difference for animals too. Share our campaigns on Facebook and Twitter, tell your friends about us, or even order leaflets to distribute in your community.

Click here for more ideas on how you can speak up for animals in your local community.

Animals Australia relies on the
generous financial gifts of our supporters to continue our important campaign
work. Organising your own fundraiser is one way you can help to provide us with
this crucial support, and at the same time create greater awareness of Animals
Australia's work.

If you would like to hold a
fundraising event that falls outside the scope of our online fundraising, please
register with our national volunteer group, the Action Network, by clicking
here.

Following your Action Network registration, please
download our Fundraising Proposal Form. Please send
your completed Proposal Form to
and we will be in touch as quickly as possible. Please allow sufficient time
for us to assess and approve your proposal.

The best way to stay in the loop and support our campaign work is to join the Animals Australia Action Network. Once you have joined the Action Network, keep an eye on your inbox to hear about opportunities to volunteer on Animals Australia stalls, assist in letter writing campaigns, and other important ways you can help.

Or order an Action Pack to get you started with collecting petitions and raising awareness about our major campaigns.

If you are super keen to get hands-on helping animals, contact one of Animals Australia's Member Societies in your area. These groups are small organisations that work hard for animals and many rely completely on volunteers, so they would love to hear from you!

You can support our
important campaign work with your own business by starting
an online fundraising page for Animals Australia. Design your page,
print your flyer, promote it on your social media sites and tell your customers
about it. This is a fun and easy way to let your customers know you care about animals
while also raising much needed funds to support Animals Australia. Become an online fundraiser by clicking here.

Want to go a step further? Join the Cage-Free Workplace initiative and join thousands of other workplaces around Australia that have pledged to help free hens from cages. Find out how to make your workplace cage-free by clicking here.

Students

We love hearing from students interested in animal protection! While we would like to help, as a small charity with very limited resources we are unfortunately unable to assist with student assignments.

The best way to get involved and develop skills in the field of animal advocacy, is to join our national volunteer group the Action Network.

Through the Action Network, our supporter's gain valuable advocacy experience by assisting us with tasks like formal letter writing, holding information stalls, fundraising initiatives and much more. Click here to learn more about how you can get involved.

Thank you for your interest in working with us. As we
must prioritise our campaign work, unfortunately this means we do not have the
capacity to take on work experience students or interns at this time. However
we encourage you to consider contacting one of Animals Australia's Member
Societies.

Donations/memberships

Did you know that the only animal welfare groups able to claim deductible gift recipient (DGR) status are those working on behalf of endangered species, or groups seen by the Government to be providing a community service, such as pet shelters or pounds?

This means that while Animals Australia is a charity recognised by the Australian Charities and Not-for-profit Commission (ACN 617 080 387), we do not have DGR status. Neither do other animal welfare organisations whose primary goal is to help animals raised for food, entertainment or experimentation. As you know, many of the industries Animals Australia has actively been involved in exposing, such as the live export trade, enjoy government support.

Thankfully our wonderful supporters have encouraged us with their determination to not let this influence their financial support. Animals Australia and our supporters will continue to fight to improve the lives of all animals. We will speak for those who cannot.

You can make changes to your monthly donation by joining My Animals Australia. Need to update your payment info, upgrade your support or check your fundraising pages? Easy — That's what My Animals Australia is for. It is your personal membership hub, enabling you to conveniently and safely take control of your information. See you there!

Alternatively, you can contact our Supporter Services team on 1 800 888 584 or send email to with your name and contact number (please do not include credit card details) and a member of our friendly team will be in touch.

A renewal reminder will be sent by email, but if you wish to renew your membership now please click here or alternatively, you can call our freecall number 1800 888 584 within business hours and one of our helpful membership staff will assist you.

Alternatively, you can renew your annual Membership by joining My Animals Australia. It is your personal membership hub, enabling you to conveniently and safely take control of your information. See you there!

You can update your contact details by joining My Animals Australia. Need to update your payment info, upgrade your support or check your fundraising pages? Easy — That's what My Animals Australia is for. It is your personal membership hub, enabling you to conveniently and safely take control of your information. See you there!

Alternatively, send an email to or contact our Supporter Services team on 1 800 888 584.

On rare occasions we do assist specific Member Society
projects where they align with our own campaigns, for example our sponsorship
of the 'Getting to Zero' summits (to reduce the over-breeding of cats and dogs).

Animals Australia is an a-political organisation. We have no
party affiliations and do not donate or contribute funds to any party, nor do
we receive funds from any. Animals Australia is a publicly funded charity. We
operate on the good will of compassionate individuals who financially support
our work through membership fees and donations. Click here to find out how you can contribute to our work.

Cruelty-free living

YES! There is mounting and overwhelming evidence that a plant-based diet can not only provide for all our nutritional needs but is also healthier. In fact, in addition to wanting to help animals, many people adopt a plant-based diet to improve their health - reducing their risk of stroke, diabetes, obesity, heart disease and some forms of cancer. Former US President, Bill Clinton has praised the health benefits he has gained since cutting meat, eggs and dairy from his diet in 2011, after suffering a heart attack.

From Leonardo Da Vinci to Carl Lewis, Einstein to P!nk, many of the greatest minds, most successful athletes and biggest stars have made the choice to lead a cruelty-free lifestyle.

You can find plenty of simple tips on making the switch by clicking here. You can also find helpful information on eating a healthy balanced plant-based diet here.

As an animal protection organisation, Animals Australia does not promote or
endorse any commercial animal products. However, in recognition of the fact
that some systems of raising animals for food are significantly better than
others, we do strive to provide meaningful information that helps people better
understand the relative benefits and concerns inherent in each of these
systems.

As consumer awareness
and concern about the lives led by animals raised for food continues to rise,
ethical concerns are playing an increasingly important role in purchasing
decisions. But rather than addressing these concerns, it seems that some
companies have attempted to hide behind confusing claims and labels. We've
put together a series of no-nonsense guides to
help you understand what these labels really mean for animals, so you can make
informed choices that are in line with your own values. Click
here to read our guide to understanding egg labels.

As an animal protection organisation, Animals Australia does not promote or
endorse any commercial animal products. However, in recognition of the fact
that some systems of raising animals for food are significantly better than
others, we do strive to provide meaningful information that helps people better
understand the relative benefits and concerns inherent in each of these
systems.

As consumer awareness and concern about the lives led by animals
raised for food continues to rise, ethical concerns are playing an increasingly
important role in purchasing decisions. But rather than addressing these
concerns, it seems that some companies have attempted to hide behind confusing
claims and labels. We've put together a series of no-nonsense guides to
help you understand what these labels really mean for animals, so you can make
informed choices that are in line with your own values. Click
here to read our guide to understanding pork, bacon and ham labels.

As an animal protection organisation, Animals Australia does not promote or
endorse any commercial animal products. However, in recognition of the fact
that some systems of raising animals for food are significantly better than
others, we do strive to provide meaningful information that helps people better
understand the relative benefits and concerns inherent in each of these
systems.

As consumer awareness and concern about the lives led by animals
raised for food continues to rise, ethical concerns are playing an increasingly
important role in purchasing decisions. But rather than addressing these
concerns, it seems that some companies have attempted to hide behind confusing
claims and labels. We've put together a series of no-nonsense guides to
help you understand what these labels really mean for animals, so you can make
informed choices that are in line with your own values. Click
here to read our guide to understanding chicken meat labels.